[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 172 (Thursday, December 1, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1564]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE PEORIA LIONS ON THEIR STATE TITLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHERI BUSTOS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2016

  Mrs. BUSTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Peoria Lions for 
their Class 5A championship win against the Vernon Hills Cougars 
earlier this week.
  Peoria struggled to stop the Cougars in the first half, but the Lions 
forced three second-half turnovers, allowing them to build a two-score 
lead. Junior quarterback Coran Taylor threw for 215 yards and two 
touchdowns, and added 134 yards and three scores on the ground. Fellow 
junior Geno Hess led all rushers with 215 yards and two touchdowns of 
his own. In the end the Lions racked up 621 yards in their 62-48 win.
  I congratulate the Peoria Lions on their outstanding victory in their 
5A championship win. The Lions are now first-time state champions, a 
testament to the impressive football program that coach Tim Thornton 
has built.
  Mr. Speaker, as a former athlete, I understand how important this is 
to the young men, the coaches and the community. They never gave up. 
They kept playing their best, and their team spirit and belief in 
themselves helped them become state champions. Their efforts and 
resilience should inspire us all.

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